Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a strategic development agreement with Chinese state-owned shipbuilder CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company Limited Huangpu Wenchong. The five year agreement is aimed at the joint development of a hybrid powered dredger, but could extend to other hybrid vessels as well.
The purpose of the agreement is to build a cooperation framework and working mechanism for the research and development of hybrid power systems. Wärtsilä will support Huangpu Wenchong during the design and construction phases with technology innovations, system selection, performance calculations, and long-term services. The hybrid vessels are to reduce operating costs as well as greenhouse gas emissions.
The initial work will be based on a hopper dredger, a vessel type that the shipyard already builds. Evaluations will be carried out to determine the most suitable hybrid solution for that class of dredgers.
Picture: The signing of the strategic development agreement between CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company Limited and Wärtsilä marks a commitment to cooperate in promoting hybrid propulsion solutions.
